Why do PC laptops still have parallel and serial ports?

Question

I understand the legacy support, but does anyone have any actual usage metrics or manufacturing/business reasons to justify this?

I know the reason (see original question -- legacy support). I am looking for a link to a cost/benefit analysis or some metrics that explain why. Besides the fact that it makes my PowerBook look cooler than HP laptops in meetings. ;)

Answer 1

That's a really good question and you would think so. But I had no luck finding them. I for one do not use them at all. I think they are a waste of space, especially when my motherboard supports all the new technologie like SATA hard drives and I have 4 USB 2.0 ports. I'd rather have two more USB ports than have a parallel and serial port. I don't see the need to still have them around, at least on consumer models, I understand their uses in business because they are more likely to have legacy hardware.

Answer 2

Laptops have parallel and serial ports as forms of communications. Many of the test fixtures where I work are older and in order to communicate with them you need and old style serial or parallel cable. While USB is becoming more common until all the older legacy systems have been replaced you will still need to be able to interface with them.

Answer 3

I have rarely seen many of the new laptops with these ports, are you maybe seeing the VGA out port? (looks pretty close to a serial port) Take a tour of laptops at best buy or circuit city, very few now include serial or parallel ports, usually USB or Firewire these days.

Answer 4

It allows for backwards compatibility with some older equipment so you dont always have to purchase new equipment to go witht he new laptop and some laptops do not come with them instead they have an optional extender that connects via usb to a device containing the parallel and serial ports

Answer 5

They provide a great interface with homemade electronics and are easy to program. Most consumers don't need them, though.